The Return of Sudanese Refugees from Egypt: A Complex Decision
In recent months, a significant wave of Sudanese refugees has been returning to their homeland from Egypt, with over 12,000 individuals making the journey in September alone. Many, like Amal Abdullah, have faced harsh living conditions in Egypt, including exorbitant rents and the inability to enroll children in schools. Despite the ongoing conflict in Sudan, these families are choosing to return, believing that conditions may be better at home than in their current situation.
The journey back to Sudan has been facilitated by initiatives like “Returning to the Country of the Good,” which helps cover travel costs and organize transportation for those wishing to return. Activists report that the Egyptian military has also played a role by providing buses and security for returnees at the Abu Simbel checkpoint, significantly reducing the cost compared to smugglers. This organized effort reflects a growing trend among Sudanese refugees who feel abandoned by international aid and are now opting for voluntary repatriation.
Challenges Faced by Returnees
Despite the hope of returning home, many Sudanese face daunting challenges. The ongoing conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces continues to create instability, and the economic situation remains dire with a plummeting currency. Many returnees are also grappling with health concerns, including cholera outbreaks in Sudan. The decision to return is often fraught with fear and uncertainty, but for many, the harsh realities of life in Egypt have made the risks of returning seem more manageable than remaining in exile.
